England v Congo DR
Play By Play
The Three Lions live to roar another day! After a shaky start, England come from behind in Atlanta to beat the admirable DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32. Initially stunning Kane and co., the Leopards snatched the lead in the seventh minute, as Mbemba's long ball from the right looped over a poorly-positioned Spence, allowing Cipenga to jink in and slam a low ping decisively past Pickford at his near post. After this early humbling hinted at a potential upset for the ages in the DRC's first World Cup since playing as Zaire in 1974, frustrations grew as a plethora of England opportunities went begging. Even worse, Wissa could've made it 2-0, but he struck the right post. Goalkeeper Mpasi was superb between the sticks, yet put himself at risk as he flew out at Kane's feet just before the break. The captain tapped it away from him and went down, but only to be told to get up by the head Jordanian official. In the second half, pressure was unrelenting on Mpasi's goal, as the Le Havre stopper ultimately ended up making five important saves. He'd eventually be beaten, though, in the 75th minute as Gordon's introduction led to a fine cross for Kane to nod in powerfully and spark nationwide relief. The Barcelona new boy showed just why he's heading to Spain next season, as he grabbed another assist for Kane in the dying embers. Play was reworked after a Bellingham chance was saved, before a simple Gordon ball set up Kane to surge into the right of the box and smash into the roof of the net. After this performance that saw Tuchel's men eventually work well around a 2.04 xG, Mexico are next in the Round of 16 at the Azteca. For Desabre's DR Congo, they can leave this tournament with their heads held high, as they pushed above their 0.8 xG to really give the side fourth in the FIFA world rankings a real scare. That's all from us. We hope you enjoyed the match! And breathe...
FULL-TIME: ENGLAND 2-1 DR CONGO
Wissa goes for it, but it's comfortably over.
Bellingham leans into Wissa and now gives away a late free-kick within shooting range. The Newcastle man stands over it.
Following a DRC advantage falling through, England are somewhat fortunate as Mayele fouls Guehi in the box. After this, Tuanzebe flattens Kane.
Following a grim, crampy spell, Rice makes way for recent free agent, John Stones to fill in at right-back.
After Kane pings a wild effort over, there'll be a minimum of six more minutes of added time.
The next switch sees Moutoussamy head off for Fiston Mayele.
Late double change from DR Congo. Off comes Masuaku, as he's replaced by Joris Kayembe.
What a strike from the right centre and Kane. That's his fifth goal at this World Cup. Talk about leading from the front.
Gordon's impact on this game has been superb as he grabs his second assist of the day. He has actively helped Kane become the first England player to score twice in a World Cup knockout stage match since Gary Lineker against Cameroon in 1990.
GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL! IT'S 2-1 ENGLAND AS CAPTAIN FANTASTIC IS AT THE DOUBLE! After a DRC attack at one end, England break and Bellingham sees a shot saved by Mpasi. The ball is reworked, with Gordon finding Kane on the edge of the area, and the England top scorer batters a superb shot high into the right of the goal! No stopping that!
Elia sees a cross from the left blocked, before then powering a low half-volley at Pickford. That's what is so refreshing about DR Congo, there's this element of surprise.
To their credit, the Congolese players aren't sitting back now. Elia gets the ball high on the left, yet Rice just doesn't let him past. Saka then drives at the defence up the other end, but play is forced to the opposite flank. England are now having to deploy more patience, when they were looking so desperate before parity was restored.
A great run from Bellingham nearly sees a pass fall at the feet of O'Reilly. However, the spinning defender can't deal with the deflection, and the Leopards swipe clear. The England pressure refuses to subside, yet Saka's cross into the box from the byline is also played away from danger.
After Anderson sees a speculative effort from range whizz just over one minute, England come forward again. However, they have to settle for a throw.
Another point about the goal, is that Kane's header came from England's 38th cross in this match (including corners). That amount is their most in a World Cup match since 1998 (41 vs Tunisia). It's amazing, considering it just looked like the ball wasn't going to go in for so long. The resounding message? Never give up.
Kane's fine headed effort was England's ninth headed goal at the World Cup since 2018. That's two more than any other team in that time.
The second change sees Mukau head off for Edo Kayembe of Watford.
After conceding, Desabre reshuffles his pack as weary goalscorer Cipenga comes off for Theo Bongonda.
THAT's the sort of service England have needed. Gordon does brilliantly there, as Tuchel's side look recharged after the hydration break. We've always liked them...
GOOOOAAAALLLLLL! 1-1! THE THREE LIONS ROAR THEIR WAY BACK INTO THIS ONE! Finally, Mpasi is beaten! The relief is PALPABLE, as substitute Gordon lofts over a ball from the left for Kane to peel onto and nod past the keeper into the bottom-left corner!
Rice's corner finds Konsa, yet the header is wayward. Cipenga looks to dart away, but fouls Saka with a pull before getting the ball. The Rice free-kick is cleared, and England look like they're running out of ideas again as Bellingham floats over a poor cross from the left.
Kane is forced out of the penalty area by three markers. He gives it to Saka, who crosses well. Gordon rises, but Wan-Bissaka nods out for a corner on the left!
As the second hydration break comes to a close, Spence is taken off for Arsenal's Eberechi Eze. England need more going forward, so that's a step in the right direction. Rice looks to be filling in at right-back now.
